SCI Semiconductor aims to win the race to develop the world’s first ‘memory safe’ computer chip, today announcing it has raised £2.5 million in funding.
SCI aims to resolve the problem of ‘memory safety’ which is the key factor in around 70 per cent of cyber attacks. Traditional programming languages — on which Microsoft’s Windows and many industrial operating systems are based allow memory to be freely accessed, which provides flexibility for software developers but also creates vulnerabilities.
Coding errors or flaws can be exploited by hackers or bring down the entire system, as in the 2024 CrowdStrike event when a faulty software update affected companies worldwide.
Current attempts to achieve memory safety, such as transitioning to more modern languages or introducing stricter development methods, are often too costly or impractical.
SCI’s chip will enforce security by dividing memory into compartments and tightly controlling how it is accessed. The product, which would be used in conjunction with open source software and development tools, would reduce cybersecurity costs and remove the need for constant patching.
SCI’s ICENI family of chips, due to launch later this year, will be the first products based on CHERI technology, a framework developed by the University of Cambridge and supported by the UK and US governments.
The company aims to set a new standard in secure computing for the critical infrastructure, defence, automotive and medical markets.
SCI Semiconductor was founded in 2022 by Haydn Povey and Krishna Anne. Haydn has over 30 years’ experience in the semiconductor industry, including 10 years at ARM, and is the founder of Secure Thingz, which was sold to IAR Systems Group for £30 million in 2018.
According to CEO Haydn Povey, cybersecurity is second only to global conflict in terms of factors affecting the economy.
“Memory safe chips have been shown to prevent 70 per cent of all attacks and would enable organisations to continue using existing software with complete peace of mind.
Developing a new generation of chips here in the UK will also help to ensure supply chain security and restore the country’s position as a leader in semiconductor technology.”
The investment was from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), and also angel investors from the UK and Silicon Valley.
Will Schaffer, Investment Director at Mercia Ventures, added:
“Despite collaboration between the big tech companies, no one has yet managed to build a silicon chip that addresses the issue. The funding will help SCI to win the race for memory safety and deliver next-generation security.”
Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said:
“SCI Semiconductor is exactly the kind of innovative, future-focused business the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II was created to support.”
The company has already signed up a number of key customers, including Google Research. The funding will enable it to build a team of engineers in Sheffield and bring its product to market.
Lead image: SCI Semiconductor CEO Haydn Povey. Photo: uncredited.
